The Canary Islands will once again face a combination of calima and intense heat this Wednesday, 17 September, according to the forecast by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The archipelago remains under a yellow weather warning for suspended dust and high temperatures, with Gran Canaria expected to record the highest values, approaching 37ºC in some areas.
Forest Fire Alert in Five Islands
In parallel, the Government of the Canary Islands has declared an alert for forest fire risk on the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. The rest of the archipelago remains under pre-alerts for high temperatures, calima, coastal phenomena, and strong winds. Authorities remind residents and visitors that access to mountain areas is restricted, with a ban on lighting fires and recommendations to avoid walking on trails.
Impact of the Calima
The calima will particularly affect the southern midlands, although its spread to coastal and low-lying areas cannot be ruled out. Concentrations of suspended dust could exceed 200 micrograms per cubic metre, significantly worsening air quality across several islands.
Temperature Forecast
- Gran Canaria: Up to 36ºC, with occasional peaks of 37ºC in the southern midlands and the Tejeda basin.
- Mountainous islands: Highs of 34ºC, especially between 300 and 1,300 metres above sea level on southern slopes.
- Minimums: Very high overnight temperatures, with values around 26ºC, even in some southern coastal areas and on the eastern islands.
General Weather Conditions
The sky will remain mostly clear, with isolated low clouds in the north and east coasts, and occasional medium to high clouds. Temperatures will rise on the northern slopes, with slight decreases at the peaks, and little change elsewhere.
Winds will generally blow light to moderate from the east, with stronger intervals from the northeast in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and from the south at higher altitudes.
Recommendations from Authorities
Authorities urge the population to:
- Avoid exposure to the sun during midday hours.
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day.
- Refrain from intense physical activity in the hottest hours.
- Exercise extreme caution in natural and forested areas due to the heightened risk of wildfires.
The combination of suspended dust, extreme heat, and forest fire risk makes Wednesday one of the most challenging days of the current heat episode in the Canary Islands.
